Great points everyone. Much obliged for the opinions and comparisons. And great point @TheTukker regarding the Master Geographic. I had only seen that one with a silver dial, but in black I do find it quite fetching. I shall have to find one to try on!

I decided to take this quandary to my local pre-owned watch boutique this morning and kick some tires, whereupon I endeavored to try on many watches, including the Nomos Zurich (white dial), the IWC Pilot Worldtimer, a brand new JLC MUT Moon (I'm in love) and this:

The JLC Master Compressor Geographic.

The IWC is out of the running. I just didn't care for the look and feel of it. I did like the Nomos. In particular, I enjoyed how simple it was to switch time zones with just a click. As a tool watch it is very handsome and readable. But then I tried on the JLC.

Pardon the lighting/photography

While my brain and sensibilities loved the Nomos, the Jaeger evoked a much more visceral reaction. However, I wouldn't call it ideal, with those two gigantic crowns. But the quirkiness of that aspect grew on me and, being on the younger side, the piece did look quite at home on my wrist. And he wanted half of MSRP for it...

The shop did have a Master Geographic (previous model) in silver dial with one of those beads-of-rice bracelets. Not exactly my cup of tea. But with a black dial as Tukker suggests, it might be perfect. To be continued.

And gentlemen I overheard something very interesting in the shop though I cannot find photos to back it up. It seems Jaeger is about to release a MUT Moon with a black dial.

I decided to take this quandary to my local pre-owned watch boutique....this:

The JLC Master Compressor Geographic.

I love the classic Geographic models on a strap (the older models more than the current). That is a watch I could wear for travel, for nice events, or with jeans on the right strap. The Master Compressor Geographic always looked clumsy and lumpy to me. If you were between the Compressor Geographic and the Nomos, then my vote would go to the Nomos.

What do y'all think is happening with JLC's sports watches? The focus is clearly on JLC's dressier and more classic lines--Reverso and Master Control. And even the recent sports model introductions have vintage sensibilities, like the Deap Sea chronograph. Meanwhile the Compressor line is stagnating. I think the most recent introduction may have been the Compressor Chronograph 2, which was several years ago. Seems to me that JLC may be letting the line die a quiet death. Many of the Compressors are truly hideous, but some of the design language works and there seems to me a place in JLC's line for modern sports watches that look the part as opposed to the vintage inspired pieces which are popular these days.

Horses for courses. The Speedy is a forum darling (across many fora) and has history, panache, and a great sense of self. But if it's not speaking to someone - be it an owner or someone looking at a watch in that price range - then there is no reason to buy or keep something that doesn't make your heart flutter.